Independent New Zealand Tours

Our Independent New Zealand Tours run on scheduled services – coach, train and ferry making our tours very sustainable. Our local knowledge means we can tailor a tour to your specific requirements, and ensure just the right inclusions are part of your package.

It’s seamless! Depart on any day that suits you, and we organise all aspects of your journey. With freedom and flexibility, we can create the perfect holiday for you.

FROM CHRISTCHURCH

FROM QUEENSTOWN

FROM AUCKLAND

FROM WELLINGTON

GROUP AND GUIDED COACH TOURS

For those who like to travel with a driver / guide and the same group of people throughout the journey a fully guided Group Tour is a good option. Group Tours have set departure dates and although the itinerary is also set, many offer “extra” touring options during travel. Often meals are included in the tour cost and these vary depending on the style of the tour you choose.

FROM AUCKLAND

FROM CHRISTCHURCH

FROM WELLINGTON

DAY TOURS & ACTIVITIES

There’s a myriad of activities and day tours available throughout New Zealand. If planning a Self-Guided tour, we can add these into your package. If you require a “one off” day tour or activity, let us know. We’ll have this booked, confirmed and email you a travel voucher in a jiffy.

Independent New Zealand Tours

Our Independent New Zealand Tours run on scheduled services – coach, train and ferry making our tours very sustainable. Our local knowledge means we can tailor a tour to your specific requirements, and ensure just the right inclusions are part of your package.

It’s seamless! Depart on any day that suits you, and we organise all aspects of your journey. With freedom and flexibility, we can create the perfect holiday for you.

FROM CHRISTCHURCH

FROM QUEENSTOWN

FROM AUCKLAND

FROM WELLINGTON

GROUP AND GUIDED COACH TOURS

For those who like to travel with a driver / guide and the same group of people throughout the journey a fully guided Group Tour is a good option. Group Tours have set departure dates and although the itinerary is also set, many offer “extra” touring options during travel. Often meals are included in the tour cost and these vary depending on the style of the tour you choose.

FROM AUCKLAND

FROM CHRISTCHURCH

FROM WELLINGTON

DAY TOURS & ACTIVITIES

There’s a myriad of activities and day tours available throughout New Zealand. If planning a Self-Guided tour, we can add these into your package. If you require a “one off” day tour or activity, let us know. We’ll have this booked, confirmed and email you a travel voucher in a jiffy.

9 Day Intrepid Southern South Tour

Join us on this exciting, adventure packed 9 day tour around the bottom of the South Island. This is a fabulous way to enjoy the sensational scenery in 4 of New Zealand's National Parks and raise your adrenalin participating in some impressive activities for those with a little more adventure in mind.

Day By Day Itinerary

DAY 1 - CHRISTCHURCH / GREYMOUTH / FRANZ JOSEF

Leaving Christchurch city on the TranzAlpine Train, we cross the Canterbury Plains and into the Arthur’s Pass National Park. From Arthur’s Pass our journey is via an 8.5 km long rail tunnel that has been cut through the heart of the Southern Alps. Once on the West Coast we follow a narrow coastal strip of beech forest with spectacular mountain back drops south to the glaciers.

Stay: Franz Josef

DAY 2 - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER HELI HIKE

Today we have included a fantastic glacier Heli Hike. After a thrilling flight high above the rugged terrain, you will land on the glacier ready to undertake a three hour guided glacier hike. Your friendly guide will lead you through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery in the world. Your guide will choose your route carefully as you go and with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, you’ll soon be making your way through an extraordinary land of towering peaks and glistening blue ice. Entry into the Glacier Hot Pools is included – what better way to relax after a morning on the ice.

Stay: Franz Josef

DAY 3 - FRANZ JOSEF / WANAKA

We travel deeper into South Westland taking in some beautiful coastal views and the spectacle of Haast Pass, carved by the Haast River and framed by the Southern Alps. Enjoy stunning views of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea before arriving into Wanaka township mid afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy beautiful Wanaka.

Stay: Wanaka

DAY 4 - WANAKA HIGHLIGHTS SAFARI / QUEENSTOWN

This morning we have included a wonderful 2.5 hour adventure taking in Wanaka’s finest lakeside scenery plus an exciting and fun 4WD journey through a real alpine, mountain farm. Journey into the mountains exploring life behind the scenes of West Wanaka Station, an authentic alpine mountain farm bordering the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of Mt Aspiring National Park and overlooking sparkling Lake Wanaka. From feeding Alpaca, sheep and horses, seeing Red Deer and Angus cattle in their natural environment to views across to LOTR and Hobbit film locations this will be an absolute highlight of your holiday. After your safari adventure, return to Wanaka where you have time to collect your luggage before joining your coach to Queenstown.

Stay: Queenstown

DAY 5 - QUEENSTOWN AT LEISURE

A full day at leisure for you to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. There are dozens of activities available – something for everyone. Alternatively, sit back and relax and take in some of the most beautiful scenery to be had.

Stay: Queenstown

DAY 6 - QUEENSTOWN BUNGY JUMPING OR ROUTEBURN TRACK DAY WALK

Today you have the choice of an exciting Bungy Jump off the Kawarau Bridge or an equally exciting Full Day Guided Walk on the famous Routeburn Track.

Kawarau Bungy: The world’s first commercially operated Bungy Jumping Site off the historic Kawarau Bridge. With over 26 years of operating experience this jump has become renowned as one of the most exhilarating things to do in Queenstown. Please ask for available jump times. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Guided Day Walk on the Routeburn Track: This great walk in Mount Aspiring National Park is a gradual ascent through 130 million year old magical world of ferns, mosses, lichens and beech forest. Just 2.5 hours walk later the woodland parts to reveal the rich grassland of Routeburn Flats, overlooked on all sides by cloud scraping mountains. After a delicious Kiwi style lunch enjoy the valley in reverse, exploring the old paths of the Maori travellers as you travel along their old ‘Greenstone’ trails finding new enjoyment around each corner. Walking time is 3 – 5 hours and sensible closed toe footwear is required.

Stay: Queenstown

DAY 7: DOUBTFUL SOUND DAY EXCURSION

Today travel to Doubtful Sound – an untouched world deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. The beauty and vastness of Doubtful Sound will take your breath away as you experience its broad wilderness. Cruise across Lake Manapouri to West Arm where your board a coach that will take you over Wilmot Pass – with the highest point being 640 metres some stunning views are waiting. At Deep Cove board a modern catamaran for a 3 hour cruise exploring the waterways of this serene and isolated fiord. A magical day out!

Stay: Queenstown

DAY 8: QUEENSTOWN / MT COOK / TEKAPO

Leaving Queenstown, you travel north through the historic gold mining region of the rugged Kawarau Gorge and past Cromwell, famed for fruit growing. Skirting the shores of Lake Dunstan, we cross the Lindis Pass to Omarama. Continue through the high country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin arriving at Mt Cook Village where you can gaze up at the 3,724 metre spectacle of Aoraki / Mt Cook. After lunch (own expense) continue for a short distance to Lake Tekapo arriving mid afternoon.This evening enjoy a stargazing tour to Mt John Observatory. See the wonders of the southern night sky, and experience the thrill of peering through powerful telescopes. When the stars are hidden from view, take a journey to discover the nocturnal world of an astronomer and see a range of research equipment not open to the general public and experience the working environment of an astronomer.

Stay: Tekapo

DAY 9: TEKAPO / CHRISTCHURCH

What better way to round off your Intrepid Southern South jaunt than to enjoy a relaxing morning at Lake Tekapo. Perhaps a stroll to the Church of the Good Shepherd sitting on the shore of the breathtakingly blue waters of Lake Tekapo and framed by the charming Southern Alps. Early afternoon, join your coach for your journey back to the garden city of Christchurch.

NOT INCLUDED

Expenses of a personal nature such as meals (except where stated in the itinerary), beverages, travel insurance, laundry and optional sightseeing are not included in the tour cost.

TOUR TYPE - INDEPENDENT TOUR

Independent Tours are not escorted group tours - they are for independent travellers. What this means is that it is not the same group of people travelling on their own coach with a tour leader/escort looking after you. You are travelling independently. However, you are picked up and dropped off at your accommodation each morning and evening and interesting commentary is provided on many sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions – Independent Tours

What is an Independent Tour?
Independent Tours are not escorted group tours - they are for independent travellers. What this means is that it is not the same group of people traveling on their own coach with a tour leader/escort looking after you. You are traveling independently. However, you are picked up and dropped off at your accommodation each morning and evening and interesting commentary is provided on many sectors.

What dates do your tours depart?
The Pacific Travel Independent Iour programme operates on a daily basis (with daily departures) using the services of Great Sights, InterCity, Interislander and KiwiRail. All tours are subject to availability at time of booking.

What is included in the tour cost?
All tours 2+ days in length include coach travel, transfers, accommodation and sightseeing activities where specified. A detailed travel wallet with your travel vouchers and comprehensive itinerary will be sent to your agent prior to your departure or delivered to your pre tour accommodation for you to collect on check in.

I am travelling alone – can I pay the triple or twin share rate and be linked with other travellers?
No, unfortunately. You must pay the single room – per person cost.

I am travelling with children, what price will I pay?
Please contact us for information on child fares, as these vary based on the specific product you require. Some sightseeing activities are unsuitable for children.

Are any meals included in the tour cost?
Our Independent Tours do not include meals. There are exceptions where a picnic lunch is included on particular sectors. The coach does make various refreshment / comfort stops throughout the day where food can be purchased. Each evening you are free to relax and dine at you choice of restaurant either on site if you choose quality class, or just a short walk into town with tourist class. Many accommodation providers offer a breakfast service which can be arranged directly.

Is Halal food available in New Zealand?
Along with a small population of Muslims, New Zealand has an increasing number of Muslim visitors. Halal food and restaurants are now found in many areas of the country.

Do Independent Tours have a tour escort?
As these tours are Independent, you do not have an escort traveling with you. However all coach drivers are experienced professionals. They will share their vast knowledge of our country with you by providing an informative commentary on most routes.

Can I add in additional nights to a tour?
Yes you can. All tours are very flexible. Please ask one of our Travel Consultants for extra nightly rates.

What is the difference between quality and tourist class accommodation?
Quality class: Hotel style accommodation with a restaurant on site, 4 star standard. At times 4 star motor lodges are also used. Tourist class: Self contained style accommodation with ensuite bathrooms and kitchenette facilities, 3.5 – 4 star standard. Breakfast provisions can be purchased from these properties but you will need to go to the town centre to purchase your evening meal. We endeavour where possible to book accommodation that is within easy walking distance of the centre of town.

What if I cannot find exactly what I am looking for on the website?
Let us know what is on your wish list to see and do and we are more than happy to help you plan a customised tour.

How much luggage can I take on my tour?
Each passenger may take 2 pieces of luggage (max 25kg each). For safety reasons, each passenger is limited to one carry on item (max 5kg). We also advise you check the maximum baggage allowance with your chosen airline.

How do I make a payment for a tour?
For bookings made more than 30 days prior to travel, Pacific Travel require a NZ$500 per person or 10% of the value of the package price (whichever is greater). This is a non-refundable deposit. Balance of payment is due 30 days prior to travel. For bookings made 30 days or less prior to travel, full payment is required at the time of booking. Visa & MasterCard are accepted forms of payment. All prices advertised are in New Zealand dollars and are GST inclusive.

What is your cancellation policy?
If after your booking has been confirmed you wish to cancel, the following cancellation fees will apply: Cancellations 31 or more days prior to travel: Your deposit plus a further 10% of the total package price. Cancellations 15 – 30 days prior to travel: Deposit + a further 20% of the total package price. Cancellations 0-14 days prior to travel: 100% of total fare (no refund). Booking amendments made by you: an amendment fee of 10% of total package price will be charged to cover our administration and communication costs. We may also need to pass on any amendment/cancellation fees imposed by our suppliers.

Conditions of travel
Pacific Travel reserves the right to alter fares, amend itineraries, book alternative accommodation or to cancel tours. Pacific Travel Ltd shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage to luggage or personal effects and/or damage resulting in death or personal injury, which may arise whilst travelling with Pacific Travel Ltd or its nominated suppliers. All transportation, both land and sea, is subject to the terms and conditions of the company providing the transport, some of which limit or exclude liability. These are available from the carriers concerned on request.

Will I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. Factors may arise that require you to cancel or amend your holiday, so it is essential you are covered for any costs that may be incurred. We recommend purchasing your travel insurance locally at the same time as you book your tour and flights. Unfortunately Pacific Travel does not sell travel insurance.

Do I need to tip in New Zealand?
If you wish to reward someone for a job well done it is always much appreciated.

Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
Most visitors to New Zealand do not require a visa to enter for the purpose of a holiday or vacation under the visa waiver program. If you do need a visa to visit New Zealand then you should contact the New Zealand consulate in your home country well before your departure date. We recommend you also check with your local travel agent or airline for any visa requirements to New Zealand particularly if you are passing through Australia.

What currency is used in New Zealand?
The New Zealand dollar is the only legal tender in New Zealand. View a guide between your local currency and the New Zealand dollar. Please note: Your tour and all purchases using a credit card in New Zealand will be charged in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) at the current exchange rate at the time of purchase. The above currency conversion page is to be used as a guide only.

9 Day Intrepid Southern South Tour

Tour Type: Independent ToursTour Code: 9IFrom $3,610 Per PersonDeparts: Daily Except 25 DecemberJoin us on this exciting, adventure packed 9 day tour around the bottom of the South Island. This is a fabulous way to enjoy the sensational scenery in 4 of New Zealand's National Parks and raise your adrenalin participating in some impressive activities for those with a little more adventure in mind.Enquire about this tour